The Untold Story Behind the Office of Oheneni: The Asantehene’s Foster Mother
The traditional title of Oheneni traces its origins to the reign of Otumfuo Opoku Ware I, the second occupant of the Golden Stool.
According to history as recounted by historian Prof. Kofi Ellison, after Otumfuo Osei Tutu I gave his niece, Nana Nyarko Kusi Amoa, in marriage to Adu Mensah — whom he had enstooled as Amakomhene — he expected his successor to come from the couple.
However, things took a different turn as the couple experienced difficulties conceiving, with several miscarriages.
Their third child was successfully born and was named Opoku, and due to his height and stature, earned the surname “Ware.”
It was observed that baby Opoku Ware had an abnormal shivering of the hands. This led to a consultation with the chief priest, Komfo Anokye, who said the child needed something to hold. He therefore recommended that a sword be made for him. That sword came to be known as Mponponsuo.
As he grew, Opoku Ware was noted to have a wild and restless character which prompted Osei Tutu to consult Komfo Anokye again.
The priest advised that the boy be sent to an Oyoko member who was not eligible for the Kumasi stool to be fostered.
In obedience to this directive, Osei Tutu gave the young Odehyie Opoku Ware to the sister of Pampasohene Agyarko Kokoo, Ama Wanni — also known as Akyaa Ama, a name later corrupted to Akyaamaa.
She diligently fostered the child and trained him to be well-mannered. This stage was deemed to be a moment of rebirth for the future King.
In recognition of her fosterage, she was revered as the mother of the Asantehene, laying the foundation for the esteemed institution of Oheneni.
To this day, before assuming office, every Asante King must first visit the Oheneni to be carried on her back — a vital tradition that formally validates his rulership through rebirth.
This ceremony takes place after he has sworn the oath of allegiance at the Manhyia Palace.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
